Principles of Effective Course Design - What I Wish I Had Known About Learning-Centered Teaching 30 Years Ago

Emphasizes that effective course design begins with clear learning outcomes and aligns activities and assessments to support student-centered learning.

• Shift to Learning-Centered Design: Whetten emphasizes the importance of focusing on learning outcomes, not just teaching methods. He highlights the paradigm shift from a teaching-centric approach to one where course design directly supports learning objectives.
• Three Key Components: Effective course design involves clear learning objectives, aligned learning activities, and valid assessments that reinforce those objectives.
• Active Learning: Courses should include active learning strategies that engage students in discovering knowledge, not just passively receiving it.
• Assessment as a Learning Tool: Assessments should go beyond testing for comprehension and include feedback mechanisms to facilitate deeper learning.
• Backward Design: Whetten advocates for starting with the end goal (assessments) and designing course activities to prepare students for these assessments.

Whetten, D. A. (2007). Principles of Effective Course Design: What I Wish I Had Known About Learning-Centered Teaching 30 Years Ago. Journal of Management Education, 31(3), 339–357. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562906298445